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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Gates of Evangeline in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Charlotte Cates has started having dreams about young children now that her son has passed away. She is not sure what these dreams mean, but when they start to come to fruition, she sees that she may have a gift she may not really want. Sent to Louisiana to write a book about the abduction of young Gabriel Deveau, she believes she knows what has happened to him from one of her dreams. Will she be able to find out what happened to this boy? What other dreams will she have before she gets the answers she is looking for?
I started this book and at first I couldn't get into it. I put it down for a couple of weeks and then picked it back up. I'm so glad that I did. While some parts of this book were a little bit predictable, this was an overall good read. I was invested in the story and I was desperate to know what was going to happen to Charlotte, or Charlie as she likes to be called.
After the death of her own child, she was lost and unsure about how to continue her life. She wasn't really into her job and then came the opportunity arose for her to write about something, she thought she had first hand knowledge about. Leaving her home in Connecticut to live at Evangeline, the estate where Gabriel went missing, she uncovers a lot about the Deveau family that she never knew was possible.
At 75% I literally felt my heart begin to race. And it was difficult to put the book down from then on. Highly recommended.
I started this book and at first I couldn't get into it. I put it down for a couple of weeks and then picked it back up. I'm so glad that I did. While some parts of this book were a little bit predictable, this was an overall good read. I was invested in the story and I was desperate to know what was going to happen to Charlotte, or Charlie as she likes to be called.
After the death of her own child, she was lost and unsure about how to continue her life. She wasn't really into her job and then came the opportunity arose for her to write about something, she thought she had first hand knowledge about. Leaving her home in Connecticut to live at Evangeline, the estate where Gabriel went missing, she uncovers a lot about the Deveau family that she never knew was possible.
At 75% I literally felt my heart begin to race. And it was difficult to put the book down from then on. Highly recommended.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Hello, Sunshine in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Sunshine McKenzie is a the top of her game. Her YouTube show, "A Little Sunshine" has milions of subscribers, The Food Network wants her to host a new show, and she's about to put out a series of cookbooks. But when her Twitter account is hacked an her entire world comes crashing down, she must evaluate what is truly important in her personal and professional life.
I read Eight Hundred Grapes a couple of years ago and I really enjoyed Laura Dave's writing. I've heard mixed reviews on this book, for me it was alright.
Sunshine Stephens grew up in Montauk, NY Even though the town was full of people with wealthy backgrounds, Sunshine was not a part of those people. She didn't come from a wealthy family, but she escaped the first chance she got. When she met Ryan, he promised her fame and fortune. All she had to do was tell a little lie about who she was and her abilities as a chef. But after a few years like this it's hard to separate fact from fiction. So some jerk has decided to knock Sunshine off of her pedestal and bring her back to reality. All of this was to remind her who she was and where she came from and the life she was currently living was not hers at all.
Overall, this book was pretty good. I liked Sunshine as a character. It sucks that her life had to come down to this life and career destroying conclusion. Will she be able to bounce back and continue to live her life?
I read Eight Hundred Grapes a couple of years ago and I really enjoyed Laura Dave's writing. I've heard mixed reviews on this book, for me it was alright.
Sunshine Stephens grew up in Montauk, NY Even though the town was full of people with wealthy backgrounds, Sunshine was not a part of those people. She didn't come from a wealthy family, but she escaped the first chance she got. When she met Ryan, he promised her fame and fortune. All she had to do was tell a little lie about who she was and her abilities as a chef. But after a few years like this it's hard to separate fact from fiction. So some jerk has decided to knock Sunshine off of her pedestal and bring her back to reality. All of this was to remind her who she was and where she came from and the life she was currently living was not hers at all.
Overall, this book was pretty good. I liked Sunshine as a character. It sucks that her life had to come down to this life and career destroying conclusion. Will she be able to bounce back and continue to live her life?
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) in Movies
May 5, 2019 (Updated May 5, 2019)
Subversiveness (3 more)
Costumes and makeup
Tim Curry
Entertaining songs
Great in the theater. Lackluster at home.
This is not a movie so much as it is an experience. The movie itself is not great. But if you get the chance to see it in a theater with a live cast performing at the same time the movie is playing and when audience participation is encouraged, this is hella fun. I used to spend most weekend nights in high school and college at the midnight showing of Rocky Horror at the local arthouse theater dressed in a bustier, getting panties, garter belt, thigh-high stockings, and high heels with all the other weirdos enjoying the hell out of the movie, live cast, and audience. I highly recommend the help of alcohol and/or chemical indulgences to enhance the experience. But maybe not an entire bottle of Sambuca as I did one nonmemorable evening.
The songs in the movie are fun to sing. Dancing to the Time Warp, as well. If you're lucky, the theater will also play music videos from Tim Curry's Fearless album Paradise Garage and I Do the Rock and Meatloaf's Bat out of Hell and Paradise by the Dashboard Light before the movie.
This is one of Susan Sarandon's first films. She and Barry Bostwick play the innocent couple Brad and (Dammit) Janet. And Tim Curry is a God in this movie.
I have such great memories of my time at as Rocky Horror fan back in the day. I hope many generations continue to enjoy this movie in the theater. It's a blast!
The songs in the movie are fun to sing. Dancing to the Time Warp, as well. If you're lucky, the theater will also play music videos from Tim Curry's Fearless album Paradise Garage and I Do the Rock and Meatloaf's Bat out of Hell and Paradise by the Dashboard Light before the movie.
This is one of Susan Sarandon's first films. She and Barry Bostwick play the innocent couple Brad and (Dammit) Janet. And Tim Curry is a God in this movie.
I have such great memories of my time at as Rocky Horror fan back in the day. I hope many generations continue to enjoy this movie in the theater. It's a blast!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Dying for Devil’s Food in Books
May 8, 2019
Somebody’s Dying for this Reunion
Mel Cooper is less than excited about her high school reunion because of all the bad memories she has from those years, yet she gets talked into going by her best friend, Angie, mainly because of the gig Angie gets them providing cupcakes for the event. Once there, Mel finds herself beginning to make peace with her past, that is until she finds the dead body of Cassidy in the bathroom. Cassidy was the worst bully in school, and just a couple hours with her has proved that things haven’t changed. With her classmates looking at her as the killer, Mel knows she has to clear her name. Can she do it?
Fortunately, most high school reunions aren’t nearly as bad as this one is. But all the horrible people from Mel’s past make for wonderful suspects as she attempts to figure out what really happened to Cassidy. What impressed me was that this book allowed for some growth in Mel and it showed us deeper suspects than I was expecting from the first few chapters. This allowed the plot to move along at a quick pace with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. Trust me, I didn’t want to put this book down until I reached the great climax. There is a dose of humor mixed in that kept me smiling and laughing as I read. Cupcake fans will be pleased with the three new cupcake recipes included at the back of the book. It’s hard to read just one book in this series, and I’m already hungry for my next visit with Mel, Angie, and the rest of the gang.
Fortunately, most high school reunions aren’t nearly as bad as this one is. But all the horrible people from Mel’s past make for wonderful suspects as she attempts to figure out what really happened to Cassidy. What impressed me was that this book allowed for some growth in Mel and it showed us deeper suspects than I was expecting from the first few chapters. This allowed the plot to move along at a quick pace with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. Trust me, I didn’t want to put this book down until I reached the great climax. There is a dose of humor mixed in that kept me smiling and laughing as I read. Cupcake fans will be pleased with the three new cupcake recipes included at the back of the book. It’s hard to read just one book in this series, and I’m already hungry for my next visit with Mel, Angie, and the rest of the gang.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Say You're Sorry (Romantic Suspense, #22; Sacramento, #1) in Books
May 22, 2019
When a serial killer targets Daisy Dawson, he doesn't expect her to fight back. But she does, and she manages to grab the locket he wears around his neck during the struggle. This locket connects to a cult that Agent Gideon Reynolds of the FBI escaped when he was only 13 years old. He is driven to find that cult and expose them, saving the women and children from their psychotic leader's tyranny. This serial killer is Gideon's one tangible connection to the cult. He's assigned to Daisy to protect her from the killer and hopefully draw him out. Daisy and Gideon have undeniable chemistry, and Gideon quickly realizes that Daisy isn't as helpless as he thought she was...
Karen Rose is one of my favorite authors and I just loved this book like all her others!
I just enjoyed this book so much. The author once again has outdone herself on creating a new set of characters and bringing in a couple of old favorites.
Gideon and Daisy are great together and I just love the chemistry and humor that they have with each other.
The twist and turns are just perfect and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat! Once I started this I could not put it down at all. If you have never read a Karen Rose novel now is the perfect time to do so.
I truly can't wait for the continuation of this series!
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Thank you to Netgalley, Headline and author Karen Rose for sending me the digital ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
Karen Rose is one of my favorite authors and I just loved this book like all her others!
I just enjoyed this book so much. The author once again has outdone herself on creating a new set of characters and bringing in a couple of old favorites.
Gideon and Daisy are great together and I just love the chemistry and humor that they have with each other.
The twist and turns are just perfect and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat! Once I started this I could not put it down at all. If you have never read a Karen Rose novel now is the perfect time to do so.
I truly can't wait for the continuation of this series!
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Thank you to Netgalley, Headline and author Karen Rose for sending me the digital ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
James P. Sumner (65 KP) rated Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) in Movies
Jun 4, 2019
Visuals (1 more)
Action
A true monster of a movie!
This sequel to the 2014 reboot of Godzilla is an enjoyable movie. It doesn't follow the common trend of "less is more", not wasting any time showing you the visually stunning monsters in all their glory.
The plot is simple enough: Godzilla has been absent since the last movie five years ago. More monsters (called Titans here) have been discovered around the world and the mysterious Monarch group are studying them. Needless to say, it doesn't take long for things to take a turn for the worst, and when a big, bad monster is revived and starts destroying things, our old pal Godzilla returns.
This is one of those movies where you leave your brain and the real world at the door, and just enjoy it for what it is. There's a lot of criticism aimed at modern movies for overusing CGI, but this film needs it and uses it very well. The monsters look incredible, and genuinely look massive. The battles and subsequent destruction look amazing, too. It's a real treat for the eyes, packed with many WOW! moments.
Is it perfect? No. As graphically stunning as it is, the plot leaves a lot to be desired. Riddled with tiny (and the odd large) plot holes, it's a pretty basic storyline. But then, it doesn't need to be overly complex in a movie like this one.
No one comes to a Godzilla movie expecting Oscar-worthy performances and Aaron Sorkin-esque screenplays. They come to be entertained. And you will be here. Well worth stepping away from life for a couple of hours. Don't forget your popcorn!
The plot is simple enough: Godzilla has been absent since the last movie five years ago. More monsters (called Titans here) have been discovered around the world and the mysterious Monarch group are studying them. Needless to say, it doesn't take long for things to take a turn for the worst, and when a big, bad monster is revived and starts destroying things, our old pal Godzilla returns.
This is one of those movies where you leave your brain and the real world at the door, and just enjoy it for what it is. There's a lot of criticism aimed at modern movies for overusing CGI, but this film needs it and uses it very well. The monsters look incredible, and genuinely look massive. The battles and subsequent destruction look amazing, too. It's a real treat for the eyes, packed with many WOW! moments.
Is it perfect? No. As graphically stunning as it is, the plot leaves a lot to be desired. Riddled with tiny (and the odd large) plot holes, it's a pretty basic storyline. But then, it doesn't need to be overly complex in a movie like this one.
No one comes to a Godzilla movie expecting Oscar-worthy performances and Aaron Sorkin-esque screenplays. They come to be entertained. And you will be here. Well worth stepping away from life for a couple of hours. Don't forget your popcorn!
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated A Snowflake's Chance In Hell in Books
Jun 6, 2019
I’m reviewing A Snowflake’s Chance in Hell, by Amy Romine. My rating is 4.5 stars. Here are my thoughts:
^^ This is a romantic, Christmas themed story about one woman’s search for her long lost brother and the people who enter her life along the way.
^^ When Quinn Lawson finally gets a lead that could bring her closer to finding her brother, Peter, of whom she was separated from when their parents died, her search takes her to a military base where she first meets Gunnery Sergeant Kevin McCaluson.
^^ Both Quinn and Kevin have their owns issues to contend with, so their first meeting is a little strained; communications are misinterpreted, emotions run riot, and things simply don’t go as planned. In short, their first impressions of each other are not good. It’s not love at first sight, that’s for sure.
^^ Over time they begin to understand each other more and Kevin offers to help Quinn with her search for her brother, so they embark on a long road trip together, and soon their friendship develops a deeper bond and their feelings for each other strengthen. It’s an emotional ride, full of truths and heartfelt stories, enveloping the true spirit of Christmas in one short read.
Overall: This is a charming, fairly quick, cosy Christmas romance, spiced up by a couple of burning hot scenes. And no, I don’t mean because I’ve spent too long reading that I’ve burnt the dinner again! (Although, in truth that has happened many times!) A heartwarming romance that’s bound to warm the cockles of your heart on a cold, winter’s eve.
^^ This is a romantic, Christmas themed story about one woman’s search for her long lost brother and the people who enter her life along the way.
^^ When Quinn Lawson finally gets a lead that could bring her closer to finding her brother, Peter, of whom she was separated from when their parents died, her search takes her to a military base where she first meets Gunnery Sergeant Kevin McCaluson.
^^ Both Quinn and Kevin have their owns issues to contend with, so their first meeting is a little strained; communications are misinterpreted, emotions run riot, and things simply don’t go as planned. In short, their first impressions of each other are not good. It’s not love at first sight, that’s for sure.
^^ Over time they begin to understand each other more and Kevin offers to help Quinn with her search for her brother, so they embark on a long road trip together, and soon their friendship develops a deeper bond and their feelings for each other strengthen. It’s an emotional ride, full of truths and heartfelt stories, enveloping the true spirit of Christmas in one short read.
Overall: This is a charming, fairly quick, cosy Christmas romance, spiced up by a couple of burning hot scenes. And no, I don’t mean because I’ve spent too long reading that I’ve burnt the dinner again! (Although, in truth that has happened many times!) A heartwarming romance that’s bound to warm the cockles of your heart on a cold, winter’s eve.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Rise of the Fallen (All the King's Men, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Rise of the Fallen is just your run of the mill vampire romance novel. There is nothing about that makes it special to stand out from all the others. But there is also nothing to really make it any worse.
I do have some complaints about this novel such as how entire conversations consisted of a bunch of f*** yous and youre an asshole. I got so tired of reading those over and over. I have not heard someone curse that much since I was in high school. It seriously took away from the story. Not to mention, 90% of the characters in the story were assholes. There was so few likable characters that it was depressing.
I also wish there was more world building. I hate when you are reading a novel and the author just throws people, places, and things at you like you are suppose to know what they are. At one point, I actually researched to see if the was a later novel in the series because it felt like I was missing entire backstories.
I also felt this book went by really quickly once the couple actually got together. Again, it was not necessarily a bad thing. I just turned the pages and found that it was over as quickly as it began.
In all honesty, I cared more about Sev and Aris relationship than I did Micah and Sams. Lynne has an easy, enjoyable style to follow, so I made read their story which is next in the series. Beyond that, I am not interested in the rest.
I do have some complaints about this novel such as how entire conversations consisted of a bunch of f*** yous and youre an asshole. I got so tired of reading those over and over. I have not heard someone curse that much since I was in high school. It seriously took away from the story. Not to mention, 90% of the characters in the story were assholes. There was so few likable characters that it was depressing.
I also wish there was more world building. I hate when you are reading a novel and the author just throws people, places, and things at you like you are suppose to know what they are. At one point, I actually researched to see if the was a later novel in the series because it felt like I was missing entire backstories.
I also felt this book went by really quickly once the couple actually got together. Again, it was not necessarily a bad thing. I just turned the pages and found that it was over as quickly as it began.
In all honesty, I cared more about Sev and Aris relationship than I did Micah and Sams. Lynne has an easy, enjoyable style to follow, so I made read their story which is next in the series. Beyond that, I am not interested in the rest.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I forgot how much I loved a good paranormal romance novel until I discovered Frost. A couple of my favorite authors recommended Jeaniene Frost, singing her praises. I was a bit hesitant after the slew of horrible vampire romances that I have forced myself to make it through as of late.
Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Frosts fiery Cat immediately captured my attention. She was one of the first female protagonists who actually enjoyed being schooled about her weaknesses. Instead of being obnoxiously stubborn, she actually threw herself into making herself stronger and learning from her faults. I know that sounds like so many other female leads, but to me she seemed different. I didnt feel that everything was a struggle between Cat and Bones. Whenever they fell in love, I could see how they got to that point. They did have fire and chemistry, but it was far from them continuously butting heads and arguing like so many other novels do.
I also enjoyed the simple plot. It wasnt about Cat and Bones being the only two being able to save the world from certain doom. Of course, they did have a goal they were working towards, and an antagonist they had to take down. However, there were no random surprises that only the author could see coming and no twist that broke our necks from confusion.
However, I will state that Cats ridiculous mother seriously made me want to slam her face into the pavement. While Frost can create the likable characters of Bones and Cat, she can also create some monsters like Cats mother.
Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Frosts fiery Cat immediately captured my attention. She was one of the first female protagonists who actually enjoyed being schooled about her weaknesses. Instead of being obnoxiously stubborn, she actually threw herself into making herself stronger and learning from her faults. I know that sounds like so many other female leads, but to me she seemed different. I didnt feel that everything was a struggle between Cat and Bones. Whenever they fell in love, I could see how they got to that point. They did have fire and chemistry, but it was far from them continuously butting heads and arguing like so many other novels do.
I also enjoyed the simple plot. It wasnt about Cat and Bones being the only two being able to save the world from certain doom. Of course, they did have a goal they were working towards, and an antagonist they had to take down. However, there were no random surprises that only the author could see coming and no twist that broke our necks from confusion.
However, I will state that Cats ridiculous mother seriously made me want to slam her face into the pavement. While Frost can create the likable characters of Bones and Cat, she can also create some monsters like Cats mother.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Seducing the Sun Fae (The Fada Shapeshifters Series, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I knew from the description that I was going to love this novel, and I wasnt wrong. I love reading stories about faes so I was immediately attracted to the fantasy of the story. What I wasnt expecting was how hot this story was! I actually had to walk away a couple times to catch my breath before I could return. Normally, I dont like dialogue during my erotic scenes. More often then not, it sounds cheesy and silly. Rivard has a talent with writing such dialogue without taking away from the heat of the scene. In all honestly, it made them even hotter.
It wasnt all about the sex, however. The author created a fantastical world filled interesting creatures. I cant wait to read more stories to learn more about her mystical races. Not only that, but she did a great job of adding meat to the story, creating a cornucopia of characters whose stories intertwine. I found myself wondering about certain characters and hoping she continues their stories in the next novel.
The only true issue I had with this novel was how stubborn Dion was. I guess if I look from his point of view, I would understand. I wonder if the author gritted her teeth while she wrote him being so bullheaded. I know I would have.
This story could have gone wrong so very easily. I have read it countless times before. Rivard knew what she was doing and expertly wove a story of love, sacrifice, and fantasy. I will definitely be continuing the series.
It wasnt all about the sex, however. The author created a fantastical world filled interesting creatures. I cant wait to read more stories to learn more about her mystical races. Not only that, but she did a great job of adding meat to the story, creating a cornucopia of characters whose stories intertwine. I found myself wondering about certain characters and hoping she continues their stories in the next novel.
The only true issue I had with this novel was how stubborn Dion was. I guess if I look from his point of view, I would understand. I wonder if the author gritted her teeth while she wrote him being so bullheaded. I know I would have.
This story could have gone wrong so very easily. I have read it countless times before. Rivard knew what she was doing and expertly wove a story of love, sacrifice, and fantasy. I will definitely be continuing the series.